A Bali virologist has predicted that the Omicron Covid-19 variant has been transmitted into the island.
The central government recently confirmed that three Indonesian citizens in Jakarta had contracted the Omicron variant. Subsequently, a virologist from Udayana University, Prof. IGN Kade Mahardika, stated that the Omicron variant has likely entered Bali through the influx of domestic visitors.
“I think the Omicron variant has already been transmitted in Bali,” Prof. Mahardika said during a webinar on Tuesday (21/12).
The central government had previously confirmed that one of the janitors who work at the Wisma Atlet quarantine facility and two Indonesian citizens who arrived from overseas were confirmed positive with the Omicron variant.
Mahardika explained that people in Bali might have possibly contracted the new variant as Bali has been receiving around 25,000 domestic visitors each day.
“This virus could easily spread through our mobility. Meanwhile, our testing method in Indonesia is slow to identify this new variant,” Mahardika added. However, Mahardika claimed that people should not be worried about this new variant as long as all the prevention protocols, such as mask-wearing, are properly implemented.
“We will monitor the transmission while preparing proper medical facilities in anticipation,” Prof. Mahardika concluded.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Paul Speirs
Friday 24th of December 2021
This is what happens when you don't want the full PCR test and let the people in from the start
Kolohe
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
This is a global pandemic. If developed countries don't work together with developing countries to radicate this virus by providing vaccines to slow down this global problem, then variants will continue to mutate for years to come. Get use to it. It'll be the new normal.
Steven
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
@Kolohe, Agreed, i read we are now producing 1.5billion covid vaccines a month worldwide, yet countries like ethiopa have only vaccinated 8% of their population. This is disgraceful and immoral, also why aren't all vaccine producers providing vaccines at a non-profit basis to the low to middle income countries. Some are making huge profits from countries that simply can't afford them.
Steven
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Reports have emerged that omnicron is good at affecting airwaves but not very good at affecting the lungs. Also there seeing up to 70% reduction in hospitalized patients opposed to other variants. This is good news, hopefully we can get back on course to opening up like before this variant emerged and healthcare systems won't be overwhelmed as feared.
Maureen Muntz
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
Peaple over react stay calm and let,s start living with this , we must all do our bit to stay safe, we need to open thing,s up we must live so use common sence and start living with this if not we are all doomed ,indonesia stop blaming tourist for not comming, fix the terrable visa rules and qarantine, that,s why we dont come, that visa is to costly, its all about money with this goverment ,do something about these rules and put on direct flight,s we dont want to go to jakarta and we wont so if you want to help the peaple stop being gready and stop this costly visa then we will come
Wayan Bo
Thursday 23rd of December 2021
This mean that immediately completely lockdown is necessary, because also vaccinated persons are not protected against Omicron yet.